Real Dogs. Real change.

reviews and testimonials

Every dog and owner begins with a different challenge, but the goal is always the same: a happier, more confident relationship built on trust and understanding. Hear from the owners who've been where you are.
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"Our little Mo was an angel dog until she lost her 3 siblings within 6 months and was left all alone. She started to be very reactive to other dogs, wouldn't stay in her crate and forgot all her 4 years of training and her zest for life. We tried another trainer but it wasn't the best fit for us so we reached out to Carley and it was the best decision we have made. After just a few weeks our Old Mo is on her way back to us. So much better out walking, playing at home and with other dogs, toilet trained again and just loving her life. We can't thank you enough."
Tracey Davies (Mo - French Bulldog)
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"I brought my nervous & reactive Doberman to Gareth and the team over at Equi-nine and it's been an absolute game changer for Thor and a pleasure to work with them. I've tried other dog trainers in the past that haven't worked. When the team at Equi-nine assessed and worked with Thor, they really understood Thor's needs, explained them thoroughly and worked on those needs for Thor to become a well behaved, trained and confident dog. Thor loves working with them and I've been able to see a significant difference in his behaviour after each session. It was impressive to see them read Thor like a book, explain it to me as an owner and then see that put into action. I genuinely cannot recommend these guys enough."
Callum O'Sullivan (Thor - Doberman)
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"When I brought Betty, my 4 year old GWP, to start working with these guys I was at my wits end with her. Reactive to dogs and people, I was really frightened that it was only a matter of time before she did something unforgivable. To see her progress in only a few short weeks to going out into a busy town centre and stopping for a coffee and ice cream whilst looking completely relaxed is mind blowing to me. Working with people who understand what your dog is really thinking is invaluable."
Matthew Curzon (Betty - German Wirehaired Pointer)
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"Carley and Gareth have completely changed our dog's life. When we first came to them, our dog was terrified of the world and unwalkable. Thanks to their help we've watched our dog transform into a happy and confident dog. Walks are now something we all enjoy and were something we once thought impossible. If you're struggling and feel like things won't get better, Carley and Gareth are who you need."
Clara & Ben Parker (Pepper - Human Reactive Staffy)
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"We had our little girl when she was about 2 and a half and immediately we started having problems. Some days it was an absolute nightmare. Multiple growls a day, she was so nervous she would hide from us and refuse to come out. But the worst was her resource guarding, she guarded the bedroom, the sofas, the bed, toys, socks, blankets, food, litter balls… I would be anxious every walk thinking is she going to find something. Eventually we reached out to Equi-nine and they were fantastic. People said ‘miracles don’t happen you have to put the work in’ but they really are miracle workers 😂 If you’re where we were thinking, ah it’s not too bad just ignore it, it’s just a growl, it’s just one snap. Trust me, just do it. Reach out. It will change your life."
Celyn Ripley (Luna - Cockapoo)
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"If you're wondering who to trust with your dog, I'd definitely recommend Carley and the team!! They have taken Otis from an absolute anxious wreck - the classic dachshund who just would not listen to a word and barked excessively and growled at men - to an angel of a dog who doesn't even flinch at men on walks now! Otis gets super excited when we drive down to the building, which is so lovely to see he's happy."
Sophie Davies (Otis - Dachshund)
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"To say Equi-nine has helped us would be an understatement - they have literally changed our lives after living in complete chaos since the day we brought Whiskey home. I was constantly in tears and banging my head against the wall then I came across these guys on Facebook and begged them to help. They have gone above and beyond to help not only Whiskey but me and my family as a whole unit. I was at breaking point and Carley didn't give up on me and I'll be forever grateful to Carley, Gareth and the team."
Sophie Williams (Whiskey - Labrador)
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"I can't thank Gareth, Carley and all the team for all they have done to help me with my beautiful staffy Hugo. He has gone from a very jumpy, hyper boy to calm. He is so much better on lead around people and other dogs and now excellent off lead. One happy customer and dog - I would 100% recommend!"
Alison Young (Hugo - Stafordshire Bull Terrier
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"The only recommendation you'll ever need. The team at Equi-nine have provided us with endless guidance. Most recently they provided us with exposure advice and training which allowed us to take our GSD travelling across Europe for 4.5 weeks, visiting 5 countries with zero issues or concerns - it went so well we've just planned a trip to Spain. After working with the team at Equi-nine you'll not only see first hand how they care for your best friend but you'll understand them better than you did before."
Shay Lewis (German Shepherd)
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Jez Thomas
June 17, 2026

We have been taking our human and reactive Border Terrier (Gus) to the reset program with GR and 1-2-1 training. He is now close to the end of his training and the transformation in him has been outstanding. Week by week the difference can be gauged. The tips and tricks you learn along the way to help yourself to become a better and understanding owner are invaluable. Carley, Gareth and the rest of the trainers are experts in turning your dog into a more sociable and friendly canine. Highly recommended

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Tracey Davies
June 16, 2026

We can’t thank you enough! We have a 4 yr old frenchie who after losing her house mates became extremely reactive and nervous. We tried another trainer but with no success. Thanks to Carley we have been given the tools to deal with her behaviour and she is a joy to take out once again. Her 121 sessions were amazing where we learnt what she was taught in her half day sessions so we could carry on practice at home. Although we noticed an immediate improvement ,Carley stresses it’s a journey and we need to put the work in as well which we do willingly. We can’t thank Equin-nine enough and look forward to our future learning.

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Lois Smyth
April 3, 2026

"I cannot recommend Carly enough! I came to her with a horse that was incredibly nervous and stressing about being inside the trailer, and I honestly wasn't sure if we’d ever get past it. Carly used such a patient, knowledgeable approach that truly put my horse at ease. ​Today, we had our very first trip in the trailer, and he was absolute perfection. Seeing him stand calmly and travel quietly after all our previous struggles was amazing. If you’re looking for a trainer who understands horse psychology and gets real results without stress, look no further!" Thank you so much from me & Ranger👌🏼 Look forward to doing more sessions with you!!

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Lisa Goule
February 28, 2026

I can’t recommend Carley and Gareth enough. Our dog was in such a pickle, after being injured in attacked she was scared of everything and was stuck in “fight or flight”. We adapted our life around her needs, only walked at quiet times, never off lead, no one else able to walk her- but we were doing her no favours and massively reducing our own lives. I was also fearful of her being hurt again, so we were essentially feeding off each other’s anxiety. We are 5 weeks in to training and talking about taking a holiday WITH our dog, this would have been impossible before. Nothing has been to difficult for Carley and Gareth. They never made me feel like a bad dog mum (and I was an anxious mess). They recognised strengths we already had and built of these as well as teaching us loads of new and FUN things too. I can take her on a walk now and it’s a pleasure, other dogs don’t phase her and this week she even sat and let a cat walk past her! Seeing her personality shine through just makes me so happy. I didn’t realise how tense I had been because I was so worried about my dog…. I feel like a weight has lifted. Thank you.

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natalie willcox
December 20, 2025

Incredibly positive experience. Equi-nine help and guide in areas no one else can with a mountain of experience, focus and patience. They are also uniquely able to interact with vets, dog physio and grooming on your behalf. Our very reactive rescue retriever was needing to be anaesthetised for the smallest treatment at the vet but with Carley and Gareth’s assistance, he’s learning how to accept the experience and be less fearful. It’s really building his confidence and is transformative for him and for us. The whole team really stand out. They are all highly skilled, kind, obviously love animals and train in a caring way. A really personal service with excellent communication. I can’t recommend them enough!

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Callum O'Sullivan
December 17, 2025

I brought my nervous & reactive Doberman to Carl, Gar & the team over at Equi-nine and it’s been an absolute game changer for Thor and a pleasure to work with them. I’ve tried other dog trainers in the past that haven’t worked. When the team at Equi-nine assessed and worked with Thor, they really understood Thor’s needs, explained them thoroughly and worked on those needs for Thor to become a well behaved, trained and confident dog. Thor loves working with them and I’ve been able to see a significant difference in his behaviour after each session. They are excellent at understanding and explaining the neurological element within dogs and that has built a foundation for Thor to be able to excel in his training and development. It was impressive to see them read Thor like a book, explain it to me as an owner and then see that put into action. I genuinely cannot recommend these guys enough.

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Sarah Cable
November 2, 2025

100% recommended. We contacted Gareth and Carley at Equi-nine after they were recommended to us by JCB Animal Physio, which was the best thing that could have happened. Simba was hit by a car last year and underwent 2 big operations, which resulted in him basically becoming afraid of everything, barking at people. Reacting to everything. Only a few sessions and already we're seeing a marked improvement. He's settling better, will place and wait when arriving home, Simba will sit when putting his Lead on and lead control has improved. Gemma his physio has also seen a positive change in his behaviour. We look forward to each of his classes as we know that he gets so much from them. So wished we'd found Carley and Gareth earlier as they really are miracle trainers.

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Gemma Robertson
November 2, 2025

Brilliant company they will go beyond to help with your dog or dogs also very supportive to the owners too. I would recommend as they go the extra mile to help doesnt matter what it is. Also work with horses so if u ever stuck these are the guys your looking for 👍

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Simon Thomas
September 16, 2025

I’m so glad to have found Equi-Nine and GR Dog Training. They are helping my rescue 5 yr old Lurcher (Leeloo) to a better life. Being a rescue, I don’t think she was socialised, and her breed makes her energetic and reactive. After only short time, I can see her calming, learning dog etiquette with other dogs, which will allow her to enjoy life better. I feel so much better knowing my dog is in good hands.

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Bethane Stanton
August 29, 2025

We’ve had such a fantastic experience working with Equi-nine. Our vizsla pup is full of energy, and they have been amazing in helping us channel that in a positive way. Carly, Gareth and the team have guided us through impulse control, lead pressure, and obedience training, giving us practical tools that actually work in real-life situations. Their calm, patient approach has made such a difference—not just for our pup, but for us as owners too. We’re already seeing huge improvements and feel so much more confident. Couldn’t recommend them highly enough!

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Nadine Elliott
August 28, 2025

Absolutely amazing trainer. Before reaching out to Equinine I had lost all faith that my dogs issues could be treated. After a traumatic incident with a previous 'trainer' my dogs reactivity was at an all time high. After many sessions with Gareth it was clear the issue could be addressed. Fast forward a year and my dog is a completely different dog. Through education and tools we know how to address any situation and how to de-escalate. Would not trust any other trainer with my dog! Would 100% recommend. Help is there, just reach out!

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Kelly Todd
August 28, 2025

We took Peppa due to her anxiety and reactivity with other dogs ! We decided we needed help so that she could have a better quality of life and be less stressed and anxious We lost our Labrador in June last year and Peppa didn’t take it to well and we didn’t help as we spoilt her since then as thought she was lonely 😢 So we met Carly and she reassured me that she would be safe with the trainers at the school and she would build confidence At the assessment I couldn’t believe that Carly had her relaxed and less anxious within minutes just with lead control and pressure control xx Peppa has now come to the end of her training and she is just a superstar she now lets us sit on the sofa alone and uses her place to relax and play !! She can walk down the street without screaming and jumping around when she sees a dog She can sit in a cafe with either dogs and not dray us to them ! We are soooo happy with her progress and we have booked her in for another 4 full day sessions for her to keep on top of the good work already done We feel mission accomplished we feel so happy for Peppa as she seems such a happy content and relaxed pup now thank you Carly and Gareth and the team for giving her a better quality of life We now take Peppa to day training with Carly and Gareth and attend classes the support is ongoing !!! We also have a what’s app support group which is amazing

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